Early indications were that DON levels were low in Ontario’s 2020 corn crop; however, hot spots of higher levels of infection have surfaced, with later-harvested grain showing increased DON levels.
The resulting dried distiller’s grain (DDGs) and condensed distillers solubles (CDS) from corn used for ethanol production may approach allowable DON limits for animal feed when corn is sourced from these areas or fields.
Some grain buyers in the Chatham-Kent area are instituting discounts for high-DON corn similar to 2018, with reports of loads being rejected due to unacceptable DON levels.
Livestock producers who typically buy DDGs or CDS as a protein supplement for rations should be aware of the potential for increased DON levels, and be sure to test feed to ensure rations are not problematic for livestock.
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